Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School KJDS

Behind the Scenes at KJDS

Even during summer break, there is important work happening behind the scenes to help our school thrive.

This week, we're highlighting a special gathering of our Board of Directors, a celebration of the board's dedication, leadership, and accomplishments throughout the year. It was also an opportunity to express our gratitude for the outstanding service of Gina DiSalvo as Board President and Miriam Esther Wilhelm as Head of School.

We are deeply thankful for the time, vision, and commitment they have given to our KJDS community. Their leadership has helped strengthen our school and support our mission in countless ways.

Thank you to all of our board members for the work you do behind the scenes to ensure KJDS continues to grow and flourish.

KJDS staffers and board members had a wonderful time greeting new KJA CEO Jesse Feld and his family at the KJA Welcome Reception.

🎓 Graduate Spotlight: Oliver

As Oliver prepares to begin his next chapter at Episcopal School of Knoxville, we're celebrating the experiences, memories, and leadership he brought to KJDS.

One of Oliver's favorite KJDS memories was building hurricane houses in 2nd grade, while his favorite Jewish memory was creating the Dizengold Restaurant in Hebrew class—a project that brought language, creativity, and culture together.

Oliver also took the stage in numerous KJDS productions, playing roles including a conjunction, a bear, a newsie, a Wickersham brother, a lemur, and Kaa the snake.

When asked what gifts KJDS gave him, Oliver shared:

"The ability to cook and learn about Judaism."

How has he enriched the KJDS experience for others?

"Being a good leader."

His advice for younger students?

"Always try your best at being a leader."

Oliver's leadership, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn have made a positive impact on our school community. We are proud of all he has accomplished and look forward to seeing all he will achieve in the years ahead.

Mazal Tov, Oliver! 💙

Throwback Thursday at KJDS

This week we’re looking back at one of our STEAM lessons exploring weather in action!

Students learned about hail and updrafts by experimenting with air flow, using a hairdryer to lift and balance a ball as they modeled how strong upward winds can keep hail suspended in storm clouds.

Through hands-on discovery, they explored force, motion, and weather systems in a way that was engaging, collaborative, and fun.

At KJDS, students don’t just learn science, they experience it.

Behind the Scenes at KJDS

Summer is a time to recharge, but it's also a time to prepare. Even while school is out, the KJDS team is learning, planning, and working intentionally to create the best possible experience for our students and families next year.

Our Front Office team is reading "Unreasonable Hospitality" by Will Guidara. In his book, he shares how extraordinary experiences are created through authentic relationships, thoughtful gestures, and making people feel truly seen and valued.

As we prepare for the year ahead, we're thinking about how we can create an exceptional experience for every family who walks through our doors!

Graduate Spotlight: Adin

As Adin prepares to begin his next chapter at Bearden Middle School, we're celebrating the memories, friendships, and experiences that shaped his years at KJDS.

Some of Adin's favorite memories come from the moments that made learning fun and memorable—like when Ms. Jami taught his first-grade class how to blow bubbles during math. His favorite Jewish memory is participating in Sukkah Hop, one of KJDS's cherished traditions.

Adin has also brought enthusiasm and creativity to the KJDS stage, taking on a wide range of roles over the years, including a conjunction, a newsie, a policeman, a bat, a Who, a lemur, and a monkey. Whether performing, learning, or spending time with friends, Adin has helped make KJDS a joyful place to be.

When asked what gifts KJDS gave him, Adin shared:

"To be strong in my values."

And when asked how he enriched the KJDS experience for others, his answer reflected the positivity he brought to our community:

"Sharing positive humor."

His advice for younger students?

"Treasure your close friends, and know that close friends are a gift."

Adin's appreciation for friendship, laughter, and staying true to his values has left a lasting impact on our school community. We wish him continued success as he begins this exciting new chapter.

🌟 Throwback Thursdays at KJDS 🌟

This summer, we're revisiting some of our favorite memories from the past years!

Today we're looking back at our first annual Camping Under the Stars event. Families pitched tents on campus, students enjoyed a scavenger hunt and bonfire, roasted marshmallows, and came together for a beautiful Havdalah.

At KJDS, we believe that school is about so much more than what happens in the classroom. It's about building a joyful community where students and families share meaningful traditions, strengthen friendships, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Moments like these help children feel connected, supported, and proud to be part of something special.

Where Will a KJDS Education Take You?

This summer, we're highlighting the graduates of the KJDS Class of 2026 and celebrating the experiences that helped shape them along the way.

From classroom discoveries and friendships to leadership opportunities, performances, community service, and Jewish learning, our students have grown into remarkable young people.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll share their favorite memories, lessons learned, and the impact KJDS has had on their lives.

We hope you enjoy getting to know our graduating class.

Graduate Spotlight: Beezy

As Beezy prepares to begin her next chapter at Bearden Middle School, we're celebrating the many ways she has grown during her years at KJDS.

From a Kindergarten dance party with Mrs. Lusk to starring in school plays and building meaningful relationships through our Special Friends program, Beezy's journey reflects what makes KJDS so special: joyful learning, strong Jewish values, and genuine community connections across generations.

When asked what gifts KJDS gave her, Beezy shared:

"Leadership and a love for Judaism."

And when asked how she enriched the KJDS experience for others, her answer was simple:

"Helping others."

Her advice for younger students?

"Always be kind."

We couldn't think of a better way to sum up the impact Beezy has had on our school community.

Mazal Tov, Beezy! We are so proud of you and can't wait to see all that you'll accomplish in the years ahead. 🎓✨

One week into summer, and we're still smiling about the wonderful final days of school!

With Shavuot beginning the very night school ended, our students wrapped up the year by learning about and celebrating one of the most meaningful holidays on the Jewish calendar. From making delicious cheesecakes and exploring Shavuot traditions to enjoying special holiday learning, there was excitement around every corner.

Our first graders also squeezed in one last round of their favorite Hebrew reading games, ending the year with smiles, confidence, and plenty of Hebrew fun!

As we look back on these special moments, we're grateful for a year filled with learning, growth, friendship, and joy. Wishing all of our KJDS families a wonderful summer filled with adventure, relaxation, and beautiful memories. ☀

The Class of 2026 has reached an important milestone, and what a meaningful celebration it was at KJDS.

At a joyful graduation ceremony, our students reflected on their years at KJDS through a heartfelt skit, shared special memories, and were celebrated with games, remarks, and the presentation of their diplomas. Each graduate also received a meaningful gift—a tzedakah box—reminding them that giving and kindness are part of what they will carry forward.

The evening highlighted what makes KJDS so special: a true sense of joy and community. Families, board members, former teachers, and friends gathered to celebrate not only our graduates’ achievements, but the unique gifts each one brings to our school.

As we marked this milestone, we also passed the torch as Mrs. Louise steps into the role of Head of School, continuing the next chapter of leadership and growth.

We are so proud of the Class of 2026 and excited to see all that they will accomplish in the years ahead.